At the same time the then Minister for Industry and Commerce, Seán Lemass had prompted a separate group of leading semi-state and private bosses into investigating a similar idea.

Originally it did this through corporate and personal memberships, regular lectures and conferences, a journal called Irish Management, research and the establishment of a members library.

Its popular Certificate in Supervisory Management (CISM) was the first academic course run by IMI and was the institute's first progression into all-island distance learning.

The MSc epitomised IMI's teaching philosophy and is notable for being the first management degree in the world to be based on action learning.

As its activities increased it required greater space prompting further moves to 79 Merrion Square in 1954, 12 Leeson Park in 1956, Errigal on the Orwell Road in Rathgar in 1963 and, finally, the purpose-built, 13-acre (53,000 m2) National Management Centre in Sandyford, which opened on 25 September 1974.

[10] The architect Arthur Gibney was awarded with the RIAI Gold Medal 1974-1976 for the building, which took design inspiration from the system of step terraces used in the Oakland museum of California.

The site was developed to incorporate existing natural features, its distinctive trees and small hills, as well as Clonard, a mid-nineteenth century house.

A residential block and conference centre were later added, for which Arthur Gibney & Partners won the RIAI Best Commercial Building Award in 2005.